Three years ago, ABC had long-since been the major television network lagging behind competitors in both ratings and quality. In 2004, that all changed: ABC experienced a creative rejuvenation, which translated into a ratings rebirth. Much of this success, can be attributed to the hat trick ABC pulled with “Lost,” “Desperate Housewives” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”
“Grey’s” and “Housewives” continue to be household staples, finishing in the top 10 for the 2006-2007 season. They also maintain strong critical consensus, each a regular presence at the Emmy Awards. Both of these soapy shows arrived on DVD this month, rounding off the TV-on-DVD barrage that is the month of September.
As “Desperate Housewives” entered its third season, the show was the focus of much scrutiny. After a ground-breaking first season that received numerous accolades and comparisons to classic soaps (think “Dallas” or “Dynasty”) viewers and fans alike found themselves turned off by the second season. After a cleanup behind the scenes, the third season brought improved quality.
The season begins six months after season two, where viewers discover the fate of Mike Delfino, star-crossed soul-mate of Susan Meyer. The victim of a hit-and-run at the hands of Bree Van de Kamp’s new husband Orson Hodges, Mike has been in a coma. Meanwhile, Susan has started falling for another man, Ian. Bree has also married Orson. Down Wisteria Lane, Gabriella has divorced Carlos, while the Scavos have quit their jobs to open a pizzeria. Oh yeah, Edie’s still promiscuous.
The third season is an improvement over the second, though vastly inferior to the first. The mystery revolves around Orson, who is suspected of murdering his first wife. The other action centers around the Ian-Mike-Susan triangle. The mystery is much more engaging than the mystery of the second. However, it still feels like the writers don’t always have a clear sense of where they are going. The first season was smooth and consistent. The season lags and picks up in places. The surprise pregnancy of cast-member Marcia Cross probably contributed to this. Inevitably, the third season is soapy enough, and plenty for anyone who watches the show to enjoy.
The set arrives chock-full of the requisite extras, though nothing spectacular. Deleted scenes are more of a chore to get through than a treat. The true highlight of the set is the featurette on unaired plots, which is a treat to anyone who cares for the storytelling behind the show. “Housewives” fans pick this up so you can enjoy the shocking moments over again.
Former “Housewives” leadout and now bonafide standalone hit, the third season of “Grey’s” also arrived this month. The season chronicles the end of the interns’ first year at Seattle Grace. Though this show was never a ratings wimp in its first two seasons, the show shined in its third season, consistently ranking as the top-rated drama during first-runs.
The season picks up immediately where the last left off, with Izzie picking up the pieces of her life after the sudden death of her fiance’ and her resignation. Meredith is equally torn. Should she be with Derek, her true, though turbulent love, or Finn, the safe and comfortable choice? Also, two new members join the cast only to see two leave by the end of the season. Drama is abound this season — as virtually everything that the first two seasons built is burnt to the ground.
Mark Sloan and Callie Torres join the cast, adding to the plot. One of the best things about the constant turmoil is that it gives the cast a chance to shine. So many ensemble dramas find many characters left out, being only filler space. On this show, each individual character delivers Emmy-worthy performances (leading to Katherine Heigl’s first win), really making the show such a stand out amongst others.
The third season found many viewers and critics raising eyebrows at the often ridiculous plots and consistent drama in the lives of these interns. This critic feels that such constant drama is what makes the show so appealing. It’s not meant to be taken too seriously.
The DVD comes with amazing extras. Extended episodes, which add little more than extended scenes and filler dialogue, still seem exciting. The best part of the set are the extended featurettes with Ellen Pompeo and Patrick Dempsey, giving insight into their personal lives and their take on the drama. Pick up the third season, especially those of you who have yet to enter the world of Seattle Grace.
